"You see this room filled with all these people and my family here,"
Deslauriers said. "To hear 'the most decorated EOD tech in the career
field'--it's an honor for me to be here."

According to the award's citation, Deslauriers rendered one improvised
explosive device and conducted a post-blast analysis of three subsequent
denotations all within a four-hour time frame. After doing so, he then
provided medical aid to an injured service member and used his detector
to clear a safe path for the medical evacuation helicopter to land.

While clearing the area, Deslauriers stepped on an initiation system for
an IED. Despite sustaining grave injuries and as his teammates treated
him with aid, he continued to pass information about the device that
helped his team continue the mission. His actions led to the extraction
of two injured Marines, two vehicles and completion of the mission.

Explosive Ordinance Disposal Airmen use their training to dispose of
anything from roadside bombs to decommissioned missiles all to save
lives.

"We talked about honor, sacrifice, and courage," the triple
amputee said. "But we don't think about that stuff--we just do what we
do, and we love it. I'd do it all over again."

Deslauriers said he felt honored to be standing in the Pentagon's Hall
of Heroes, a place that honors the memory of hundreds of service members
including Medal of Honor recipients.

"You belong here," said retired Gen. Norton Schwartz, former Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

"Thank you, sir," Deslauriers said. "To hear that from you is a great honor and from everybody here."

The Silver Star is the third highest military decoration for valor and
is given for gallantry in action against enemies of the United States.